Multi-item packaged food product

ABSTRACT

Packages for food products and food products packaged in such packages are described. A multi-item packaged food product may include food items, a bottom portion defining containers, and a top portion releasably sealed to the bottom portion such that food items are received in the containers. The top portion defines removeably coupled cover portions, each cover portion sealing at least one food item within a corresponding one of the containers. The top portion is peelable in a first direction to remove at least two cover portions from the corresponding containers, and the top portion is peelable in a second direction to remove a single cover portion from a single container.

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/699,131 filed on Sep. 10, 2012, which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field packaged foodproducts, and more specifically, to multi-item packaged food productsproviding improved opening and separability features for opening one ormore individual packages.

BACKGROUND

There are many challenges associated with providing food productpackaging for accommodating multiple food items. Structural integrityconsiderations as well as visual appearance considerations can beconsidered, both of which may, at least in part, determine the successof a product with consumers.

Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein are directed toimproved packaging for food products and similar consumer products.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a multi-item packaged food product including aplurality of food items; a bottom portion defining a plurality ofcontainers; and a top portion releasably sealed to the bottom portionsuch that the plurality of food items are received in the plurality ofcontainers. The top portion defines a plurality of removeably coupledcover portions, each cover portion sealing at least one food item withina corresponding one of the plurality of containers. The top portion ispeelable in a first direction to remove at least two cover portions fromthe corresponding containers; and the top portion is peelable in asecond direction to remove a single cover portion from a singlecontainer.

Another embodiment related to a package assembly includes a top definingat least one first pull tab and a plurality of second pull tabs, and abottom including a thermoformed tray defining a plurality of containersand releasably sealed to the top. An application of a force to the firstpull tab tends to release the top from at least two of the plurality ofcontainers, and an application of a force to one of the second pull tabstends to release only a portion of the top from only a single one of theplurality of containers.

Another embodiment relates to a packaged food product including a bottomdefining a plurality of containers, each container comprising a bottomwall defining at least one raised portion configured to maintain a spacebetween a food product and a remainder of the bottom wall; and a topremoveably coupled to the bottom, the top defining a plurality of peelstarter portions usable to remove at least a portion of the top from thebottom. The top and bottom collectively define a plurality of individualpackages that are removeable relative to one another while the top isremoveably coupled to the bottom.

Another embodiment relates to a packaged food product including apackage assembly comprising a bottom portion coupled to a top portion,the bottom and top portions being configured to be folded about a linebetween containers and maintained in a folded position. The bottomportion defines a plurality of containers, each container comprising anintegrated drip tray formed by at least one embossed portion configuredto support a food product above a remainder of a bottom of thecontainer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are a series of illustrations of a multi-itempackaged food product according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a series of illustrations of a bottom portion of themulti-item packaged food product of FIG. 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a top portion of the multi-item packaged foodproduct of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are a series of illustrations of a multi-tempackaged food product according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a series of illustrations of a bottom portion of themulti-item packaged food product of FIG. 4 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a top portion of the multi-item packaged foodproduct of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are a series of illustrations of a multi-itempackaged food product according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a series of illustrations of a top and bottom portion of themulti-item packaged food product of FIG. 7 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are a series of illustrations of a multi-itempackaged food product according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a series of illustrations of a top and bottom portion of themulti-item packaged food product of FIG. 9 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are a series of illustrations of a multi-itempackaged food product according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the FIGURES generally, various embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to multi-item packaged food products, where the multi-itempackaged food product includes a package assembly that defines a numberof individual packages that are coupled together. In some embodiments,individual packages having food products therein may be removed from oneanother for preparation and consumption. In further embodiments, the topportion (e.g., a flexible polymer film, etc.) may be removed such that auser may choose to remove the entire top portion from the bottomportion, or alternatively, the user may remove only that portion of thetop portion that corresponds to one of the individual packages, therebykeeping the remaining food products sealed within the other packages. Inyet further embodiments, one or more of the containers may include anintegrated “drip tray” formed, for example, by raised/embossed portionsin the bottom of the containers, such that food products such assausages, etc. can be cooked in the container and grease, oils, etc.released from the food product during preparation can be directed to thedrip tray beneath the food product.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, a series of illustrations of amulti-item packaged food products are shown as packaged food product 10according to an exemplary embodiment. Packaged food product 10 includesa package assembly 12 and a food product 14 (which, as discussed ingreater detail below, is distributed between individual packages thatmake up package assembly 12). Packaged food product 10 may be any of avariety of types of products, including non-refrigerated, refrigerated,or frozen products, and may include food products such assingle-component and/or multi-component food products such assandwiches, breakfast sausages, links, patties, and the like. It shouldbe understood that the various embodiments herein may apply to a widevariety of food product types in addition to those specificallydisclosed herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, package assembly 12 includes a top16 and a bottom 18 that collectively define a plurality of packages 20.According to one embodiment, top 16 is a polymer film configured to sealwith one or more portions of bottom 18 (e.g., a lip or flange portion ofbottom 18, etc.) in a removable/releasable manner. Top 16 may includegraphics, text, etc. on a top surface to provide various types ofinformation to users. Furthermore, top 16 may include one or morepeel-starting portions 28 and 38, as discussed in greater detail below.Bottom 18 may be made of a polymer material by way of a molding process,including injection molding, blow-injection molding, thermoforming,vacuum forming, blow molding, sheet molding, etc. In one embodiment,bottom 18 is a thermoformed polymer tray defining a plurality ofindividual containers (e.g., receptacles, etc.). Bottom 18 may betransparent or semi-transparent. In some embodiments, top 16 may beflexible or rigid and may be a barrier layer or sheet made of a singleor multiple layer, metallic and/or polymer material. In one embodiment,top 16 is a poly-coated board.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, packages 20 form two rows of packagesextending from a middle portion 22. The rows of packages 20 and middleportion 22 are in one embodiment configured to be folded along foldlines 26 such that the bottoms of the two rows of packages engage oneanother and the packaged food product may be displayed in a generallyupright position while supported by middle portion 22. Middle portion 22includes one or more ribs 23 or similar features to provide additionalrigidity and provide a level support surface for supporting the packages20 in a vertical orientation. A band 30 (e.g., a shrink band, etc.) iswrapped around the folded packages 20 to maintain the packages 20 in thefolded position during transport, display, etc. In some embodiments, thebottoms of the two rows of packages 20 are formed with correspondingraised/recessed portions that maintain alignment between the rows. Inyet further embodiments, as also discussed in greater detail below, theraised/recessed portions may further provide integrated “drip trays” onthe interior of the containers.

According to an exemplary embodiment, top 16 and bottom 18 includealigned score lines 24 such that individual packages 20 may be removedfrom one another. The score lines 24, as well as the fold lines 26, maybe formed by perforations, slits, laser scores, etc. that may extendpartially or fully through one or both of top 16 and bottom 18. As such,a user may separate one or more packages 20 from package assembly 12. Asshown in the FIGURES, package assembly 12 includes six individualpackages 20 (formed into two rows of three). According to various otherembodiments, more or fewer packages 20 may be included in packageassembly 12, and more or fewer rows of packages 20 may be utilized.

In some embodiments, packaged food product 10 may provide users withdifferent options for opening one or more of packages 20. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, top 16 includes multiple covers 34 removeably coupled toeach other and a middle seal portion 35 and separated by score lines 24(described below). Top 16 also includes a pair of first peelable tabportions 28 (e.g., a pull tab, etc.) and a plurality of second peelabletab portions 38. According to an exemplary embodiment, first tab portion28 is usable to peel away multiple covers 34 from their respectivecontainers 32. For example, should a user grasp first tab portion 28 andpull the tab, top 16 will tend to release from the entire row ofpackages and along score line 24 dividing the row of packages and middleseal portion 22. As such, top 16 may be provided with two first tabportions 28, with one being associated with each row of packages. Inother embodiments, a tab portion may be configured so as to tend to pullthe entire top 16 away from bottom 18. According to further embodiments,tab portions 28, 38 and score lines 24 may be configured to enable auser to pull off any desired section of top 16.

In some embodiments, first tab portion 28 is intended to provide avisual indication that the tab portion is usable to open multiplepackages. As shown in FIG. 3, first tab portion 28 may define an arcextending along some or all of one of the sides of a package 20.Furthermore, one or more visual indicators (e.g., text, graphics, etc.)may be provided to indicate the proper direction to pull first tabportion 28 (e.g., an arrow, etc.). According to various embodiments, thelocation and/or number of first tab portions 28 may be varied relativeto the configuration shown in the drawings.

Should a user desire to remove only a single cover 34 from a singlecontainer 32, the user may use one of the second tab portions 38. Asshown in FIG. 3, a separate tab portion 38 is provided with eachindividual cover 34. As such, top 16 includes six separate second tabportions 38. Upon a user pulling on one of second tab portions 38, anindividual cover 34 will release from the underlying container 32. Scorelines 24 are provided in top 16 along the perimeter of each individualcover 34 (e.g., between adjacent packages 20 and between the packagesand middle portion 22).

In one embodiment, each second tab portion 38 is formed in a wave-shapehaving a curved peek, while in other embodiments, other shapes may beused. Furthermore, one or more visual (e.g., text, graphics, etc.)indicators may be provided to indicate the proper direction to pullsecond tab portions 38 (e.g., an arrow, etc.). According to variousembodiments, the location and/or number of second tab portions 38 may bevaried relative to the configuration shown in the drawings.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one or both of first tab portions28 and second tab portions 38 extend beyond the periphery of bottom 18(e.g., such that a portion of top 16 “overhangs” the edge of bottom 18).This may provide a graspable portion for users to grasp, and avoidhaving to initially separate top 16 from container 18 in order to openone or more packages 20. According to alternative embodiments, ratherthan overhanging the edge of bottom 18, top 16 may be left unsealed frombottom 18 in the area of the tab portions 28 or 38.

It should be noted that the various tab portions 28 or 38 may be used torelease portions of top 16 from bottom 18 before or after one or morepackages are separated from one another. For example, a user mayseparate a single package 20 from packaged food product 10, andsubsequently use second tab portion 38 to open the individual portion.Alternatively, a user may pull on a single second tab portion 38 whilethe package 20 is still coupled to one or more other packages 20, suchthat the user opens only one package 20, yet the container portions ofthe packages are still coupled together. Similarly, a user may use firsttab portion 28 to remove top 16 from an entire row (or a portion of arow) either before or after separating the row from, for example, middleportion 22 of packaged food product 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more packages 20 may beheated using a microwave oven either prior to or after removing top 16.As such, various food products may be prepared in containers 32,including a variety of meat-based products such as breakfast sausages(e.g., pork sausages, beef sausages, links, patties, etc.) and non-meatbased products. In some cases, such as when heating breakfast sausages,the food product may tend to release liquids such as grease, oils, etc.during heating. To keep the food product separate from these liquids,containers 32 may be provided with integrated “drip trays.”

For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in one embodiment container32 includes one or more raised portions 36 (e.g., embossed portions,projections, supports, etc.) that are raised relative to the remainderof the bottom of the container 32, and are configured to maintain a foodproduct such as a breakfast sausage, link, or the like, spaced apartfrom any liquids that may be released from the food product duringheating. As shown in FIG. 2, raised portions 36 may be a plurality ofcurved, or contoured raised portions that extend upward within thecontainer. Thus, the bottom of container 32 is defined byraised/embossed portions 36 and recessed/debossed portions 40, such thatthe raised/embossed portions 36 support the food product, and therecessed/debossed portions 40 contain any liquids release from the foodproduct during heating.

In one embodiment, the containers in a single row of containers 32 mayhave the same configuration of raised and recessed portions, and thecontainers 32 on the opposite side of middle portion 22 may have theraised/recessed portions 36 and 40 reversed, such that when bottom 18 isfolded along fold lines 26, the bottoms of the two rows of containerstend to “interlock” such that relative lateral movement between the tworows is prevented. It should be noted that while raised portions 36 areshown as generally having curved, wavy-shaped or contoured features,according to various alternative embodiments, raised portions 36 maytake other shapes and forms. In other embodiments, the two rows ofcontainers may be held together in other ways, including a snap-fit,friction fit, adhesives (e.g., one or more glue dots, etc.), amale/female interlocking structure, nesting features, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, to produce multi-item packagedfood product 10, bottom 18 is formed (e.g., thermoformed, etc.) toinclude multiple containers 32. Food product 14 is introduced into eachcontainer 32, and top 16 is sealed to bottom 18 to enclose the foodproduct within the individual containers 32. The package components mayalso be die cut to a desired shape, and provided with perforations,lasers scores, etc. The package assembly 12 may then be folded into aU-shape structure and banded using a band 30 (e.g., an elastic orshrinkable band, etc.). In some embodiments, band 30 may be omitted andthe package held in the folded position using the mating structuralfeatures discussed above. This structure provides for both vertical(resting on middle portion 22) and horizontal (resting on one of therows of packages) merchandising options. Further, packaged food products10 may also be stacked upon one another (e.g., while in the horizontalorientation). The structural rigidity of packaged food product 10 may beenhanced by the interlocking embossed/debossed features of the containerbottoms 18, which may resists twisting/racking between the opposing rowsof packages 20.

In use, a consumer may remove band 30 to unfold multi-item packaged foodproduct 10 and, if desired, remove one or more individual packages 20from the package assembly 12. Because of the score lines/perforations24, users may separate individual packages 20 without the use ofscissors, knives, etc. The user may then heat the desired portion in amicrowave oven while the food product is still within the packages 20.The packages 20 may be prepared without the use of additionalcontainers, paper towels, etc. Because the food products 14 areindividually packaged, there is no need to reseal or use any additionalpackaging (e.g., zip-lock bags, plastic wrap, etc.) to maintain anyunused portions of food product 14, as the unused portions are inseparately sealed individual packages. In some embodiments, the package20 may be self-venting. For example, the package 20 may include ventportions formed by perforations, scoring, micro-scoring, weakened areasof the package configured to burst, etc., and the like. In otherembodiments, the package 20 may be configured to be pre-vented (e.g.,prior to cooking) by the user. For example, the package 20 may beconfigured to be opened slightly, punched, etc.

Referring to FIG. 11, a packaged food product 410 is shown according toan exemplary embodiment. Product 410 shares many of the features ofproduct 10 shown herein, except that packages 420 are provided in asingle row that is divided by a middle portion 422 (e.g., in contrast toproduct 10, where a middle portion 22 divides two rows of packages 20).As such, product 410 may provide primary and secondary branding panelsfor labeling, etc. Furthermore, like product 10, product 410 may providefirst and second peelable tab portions 428 and 438 to enable a user toopen one or more of containers 420. Because of the position of middleportion 422, product 410 may provide for different display alternativesin terms of how a product can be displayed to consumers.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B and 6, a packaged food product110 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Packaged food product110 may share many of the features of packaged food product 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 except as otherwise noted herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, packaged food product 110 includesa package assembly 112 and a food product 114. Food product 114 includesone or more meat products such as sausage patties (e.g., pork sausagepatties, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment. Package assembly112 includes a top 116 and a bottom 118 and defines a plurality ofpackages 120. Each package 120 includes a container 132, a cover 134,and raised portions 136 and recessed portions 140 that form anintegrated drip tray. Further, package assembly 112 includes first andsecond tab portions 128, 138 that operate in a similar manner to firstand second tab portions 28, 38.

Referring further to FIGS. 4-6, each container 132 may be formed in theshape of two circular, or arced compartments or receptacles, andmultiple containers 132 are joined together by a connecting portion 122.The circular compartments generally conform to the shape of the foodproduct (e.g., a sausage patty, etc.). According to other embodiments,other shapes and sizes may be used in connection with container 132.Furthermore, package assembly 112 includes two rows of packages 120,with each row including two packages 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 8, a multi-item packaged foodproduct 210 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Packaged foodproduct 210 may share many of the features of packaged food product 10.Packaged food product 210 also includes an outer sleeve 215 that servesto maintain package assembly 212 in a folded position and permitsviewing of the food product through a transparent/semi-transparentpackage assembly 212. Package assembly 212 includes a top 216 and bottom218 that collectively enclose a food product 214 (e.g., sausage links,etc.). Package assembly 212 may define two individual packages 220 thatare joined at a score line 224. Each individual package 220 may includea container 232 and a cover 234. Container 232 may includeembossed/debossed features 236 and 240 that provide an integrated driptray to collect grease, oils, and the like. The container 232 may betransparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the food productwithin the container 232.

According to an exemplary embodiment, container 232 further includes adebossed tab 217. Tab 217 is formed on an upper lip, or flange, ofcontainer 232, and is recessed relative to the remainder of the lip suchthat when top 216 is sealed to bottom 218, a space remains between top216 and debossed tab 217, thereby providing an “ez-peel” feature and agraspable portion for users to hold and open the container. Debossed tab217 may take any suitable shape and be provided at any suitablelocation.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 10, a multi-item packaged foodproduct 310 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Packaged foodproduct 310 may share many features with packaged food products 10, 110,and 210 disclosed herein. Packaged food product 310 includes an outersleeve 311 within which a number of individual packages 320 are provided(e.g., four, six, etc.). Each package 320 includes a container 332 and acover 334 that collectively enclose a food product 314. As shown in FIG.9, packages 320 are provided separated from each other within sleeve311. Container 332 includes embossed/debossed portions 336 and 340 thatform an integrated drip tray. Container 332 further includes a debossedtab portion 317 that, like tab 217, forms an “ez-peel” feature on thecover 334 and a graspable portion on the container 332 for users to holdwhile preparing the food product.

The multi-item packaged food products disclosed in the variousembodiments herein may provide various advantages over traditionalpackaging. For example, the package structure enables users to microwavefood products such as sausage, etc. in the package without removing thefood product from the package prior to heating. The package structurealso enables users to “break off” one or more individual packagescontaining a desired portion from the remainder of the unusedpackages/food products. Additionally, the integrated “drip tray”provides a means for collecting grease, oils, etc., away from the foodproduct during preparation of the food product. Furthermore, the formand shape of the container and top may suggest to the user the removaldirection for the top, including removal of the top from individual ormultiple packages. Further yet, the integrated grip and/or handleportions provide users a secure grasp of individual packages (e.g., toassist in separating individual packages, opening of packages, etc.).

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the packaged food products and/or methods as shown in theexemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although a few embodimentshave been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in theart who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations,etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the subject matter recited in the various embodiments.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-item packaged food product comprising: aplurality of food items; a bottom portion defining a plurality ofcontainers; and a top portion releasably sealed to the bottom portionsuch that the plurality of food items are received in the plurality ofcontainers; wherein the top portion defines a plurality of removeablycoupled cover portions, each cover portion sealing at least one fooditem within a corresponding one of the plurality of containers; whereinthe top portion is peelable in a first direction to remove at least twocover portions from the corresponding containers; and wherein the topportion is peelable in a second direction to remove a single coverportion from a single container.
 2. The multi-item packaged food productof claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises two rows of containersextending from a middle portion.
 3. The multi-item packaged food productof claim 2, wherein the two rows of containers are foldable relative tothe middle portion such that the bottoms of the two rows of containersengage each other.
 4. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 3,wherein the bottoms of the two rows of container comprise correspondingstructural features that engage each other to resist relative lateralmovement between the two rows of containers.
 5. The multi-item packagedfood product of claim 2, wherein the middle portion comprises at leastone rib to provide rigidity.
 6. The multi-item packaged food product ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises an upper lip releasablysealed to the top portion, and at least one debossed tab portionextending downward from the upper lip that is spaced apart from the topportion when the top is sealed to the upper lip of the bottom portion.7. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 1, wherein the topportion and the bottom portion have corresponding score lines definingindividual packages that are removable from one another along the scorelines.
 8. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 7, wherein theindividual packages are microwaveable.
 9. The multi-item packaged foodproduct of claim 1, wherein the top portion is a flexible film and thebottom portion is a thermoformed tray.
 10. The multi-item packaged foodproduct of claim 3, wherein the packaged food product is configured tobe supported by the middle portion in an upright position.
 11. Themulti-item packaged food product of claim 3, further comprising a bandwrapped around the two rows of containers to maintain the two rows ofcontainers to be engaged to each other.
 12. A package assemblycomprising: a top defining at least one first pull tab and a pluralityof second pull tabs; and a bottom comprising a thermoformed traydefining a plurality of containers and releasably sealed to the top;wherein application of a force to the first pull tab tends to releasethe top from at least two of the plurality of containers, and whereinapplication of a force to one of the second pull tabs tends to releaseonly a portion of the top from only a single one of the plurality ofcontainers.
 13. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the bottomportion comprises an upper lip releasably sealed to the top, and atleast one debossed tab portion extending downward from the upper lipthat is spaced apart from the top when the top is sealed to the upperlip of the bottom.
 14. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the topand/or bottom comprise score lines configured to enable separation ofindividual containers and corresponding portions of the top while thetop is releasably sealed to the bottom.
 15. The package assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the containers are arranged in a pair of rows onopposite sides of a middle portion such that the rows of containers arebendable relative to the middle portion to form a U-shaped packageassembly.
 16. The package assembly of claim 15, further comprising aband wrapped around the pair of rows of containers to maintain the rowsof containers in the U-shape.